Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Star4.53
15 reviews
Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Michigan DNR site

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Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp
No fees available
Campsite Fees
No specific fee amounts provided in available sources. Described as a rustic state forest campground with no modern hookups and limited amenities.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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Michigan
Provider
(231) 775-7911

What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 15 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"Reviews are predominantly positive, highlighting the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for horse campers. Many reviewers describe it as peaceful, tranquil, and remote."

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About Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Escape into the heart of Manistee State Forest at Hopkins Creek Equestrian Campground, where horse lovers and anglers discover a hidden gem along a pristine trout stream. This rustic, first-come, first-served retreat connects you directly to the legendary Shore-to-Shore Trail while offering the peaceful seclusion that only deep forest camping can provide.
Two linked state forest camp areas: an equestrian loop (~16 sites) with picket posts/corrals and a smaller non-equestrian state forest campground (~7 sites). The campground is classified as rustic.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering evergreens and mature hardwoods create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, wrapping the campground in cool, dappled shade that feels worlds away from everyday life. Hopkins Creek sparkles as it winds past camp—a crystal-clear, cold-water stream where trout dart between rocks and patient anglers find their rhythm. The famous Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail runs right alongside camp, opening up mile after mile of forest exploration through some of Michigan's most beautiful backcountry.
Geological RegionManistee State Forest (campground described as in the heart of Manistee State Forest; adjacent references to Pere Marquette State Forest in some sources).
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Campsite details

Total Campsites23 campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Amenities available

Potable water
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Equestrian-focused, rustic campground with direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail and creek-side trout fishing. The site also provides access to surrounding state forest lands that are open to hunting.
Hiking
Direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail and other forest tracks; terrain is forested and rolling.
Fishing
Hopkins Creek runs adjacent to the campground and is noted for trout fishing.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsHigh-water safety near the creek/river is noted. The campground is remote (long forest-road drives) which can affect emergency response and access; sources advise planning accordingly. Cell coverage is not documented and visitors are advised to plan as if service may be unreliable.

Weather at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

28
°F
Dec 26
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 62%
Wind: 13.8 mph
Overcast

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Good to know

Common complaintsRemoteness and the long drive-in to reach the site and the primitive nature of facilities (no hookups, vault toilets) may be drawbacks for those seeking modern amenities.

Campground Map

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp
Driving directionsLocated in Missaukee County, 5.5 miles north of Arlene via M-42 and Lucas Road.
Access via M-42 and Lucas Road; involves forest road driving to reach the campground.
Nearby places
Fife Lake area and the broader Traverse City region mentioned as nearby areas (distances not specified in sources).

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.5
15 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are predominantly positive, highlighting the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for horse campers. Many reviewers describe it as peaceful, tranquil, and remote.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, densely wooded setting; direct access to Shore-to-Shore trail; creek-side trout fishing; quiet and low-use atmosphere favored by visitors and equestrians.
Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive prepared with supplies; expect first-come, first-served rustic camping. Horse campers should bring appropriate containment and manure management supplies; anglers should bring stream fishing...
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Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

Loved it; The place to stay if you want to be nowhere!; Beautiful place to camp and ride your horse.; Absolutely Love this peaceful, tranquil camp; Stayed 2 times and I absolutely love the secluded...
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Based on 15 reviews

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Last updated December 13, 2025
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Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp